Car Review: Hayabusa powered Austin Mini

Now you may think that we at Home Built NZ have a soft spot for Mini's. This is true but it isn't the reason why we have featured two Mini's in the space of two weeks, how could we possibly resist reviewing a Mini that has a mid mounted Suzuki Hayabusa engine? This car is also the current NZ Super Mini Challenge and Open class champion which is not surprising considering how light and powerful it is.

This mental little car is owned and built by Steve Midgley and is easily one of the most mental Mini's I have ever come across. The bodywork is all bespoke and made by Steve himself and looks radical with miglia style flair guards, lightweight holes/vents cut out and a "time attack" front splitter. The stylised headlight covers look awesome and further reinforce the cars "evil" presence on the race track.

The Mini is powered by a chain driven 1300cc Suzuki (sounds familiar...) Hayabusa motor that was extracted from a 2006 Suzuki GSXR1300 and is completely standard apart from a custom radiator and custom headers to an Adrenalin R muffler. The engine makes around 200 BHP and with the car weighing 640 kg means that it is a little rocket and has been clocked at 230 KMH at the old Pukekohe track. The engine is matched to the bike's original transmission and is linked to a Toyota Hilux LSD. Interestingly enough, the wheels are driven by shortened Toyota Caldina GT-T axles and hubs.

The body is reinforced by a full roll cage and has fully independent and adjustable suspension all round. Brakes are Wilwood discs front and rear with 10.5 inch rotors and 4 piston calipers on the front and 8 inch rotors with single piston calipers on the rear. 

Inside the car you will find a custom made dashboard with aftermarket gauges, a racing steering wheel and a bucket seat. This is all purpose built and has the race ready look.

The Mini rides on 3 piece revolution wheels that are 13 X 8 on the front and 13 X 10 on the rear. These are shod with Dunlop slicks which help provide enough traction to handle the Hayabusa's 200 BHP. Revolution wheels always look good on British classics like the Mini and Ford Escort as the four spoke design has a period look to it.

Overall, this Mini is a terrific little beast and must be quite a challenge to drive. I would like to thank Steve Midgley for allowing me to review his wicked ride.

If you would like your car featured on our website, please contact us at Homebuiltnz@gmail.com

Thanks for reading!!!

Specifications

• Car: 1970 Austin Mini "Minibusa"
• Engine: 2006 Suzuki GSXR1300 "Hayabusa"
• Gearbox: 6 speed standard Suzuki
• Power: 200 BHP
• Torque: 138.7 NM (estimated)
• Weight: 640 KG
• Interior: Custom dashboard, racing steering wheel, bucket seat, aftermarket gauges, full roll cage
• Wheels: 3 piece Revolution 4 spoke alloys, 13 X 8 front, 13 X 10 rear
• Tyre's: Dunlop slicks all round
• Body: Custom Mini body with custom Miglia style flair guards, front splitter, rear diffuser, drilled vents
• Chassis: Custom tubular rear end to hold Hayabusa engine, monocoque front
• Suspension: Independent all round, fully adjustable